Neema Foundation and Gauteng Government Join Forces for 10th #SilentWalkAndRun
Expanding for Deaf Awareness Month 2026 with an all-new venue, the Neema Cup
Deaf Community Soccer Tournament and a call for South Africans to walk, run and
celebrate inclusion.
What started ten years ago as a humble
community gathering has built a decade-long legacy as one of South Africa’s most
vital disability-inclusive events.
Today, Neema Foundation for the Deaf, in partnership with the Gauteng Department
of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, officially invites families, runners, and
advocates across the province to join a bigger, bolder 10th anniversary celebration
of the #SilentWalkAndRun.
Marking a major milestone in time for Deaf Awareness Month this September, the
landmark event moves to an exciting new location: Rietvlei Zoo Farm in
Alberton on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
Under this year’s theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights — The Family
Affair: 10 Years of the Silent Walk,” the event promises an unforgettable day where
the Deaf and hearing communities unite to turn empathy into everyday action.
“When we launched the #SilentWalkAndRun ten years ago, we simply wanted to
create a safe space where the Deaf and hard-of hearing community felt seen and
heard,” said Fatima Cele, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Neema
Foundation for the Deaf.
“Ten years later, it has become a home for thousands. Moving to Rietvlei Zoo Farm
gives us the space to bring whole families together, celebrate Deaf culture in all its
richness and demand equal rights and dignity for every person living with hearing
loss,” she added.
Deepening government partnership to commemorate Deaf Awareness Month
The 2026 milestone solidifies an ongoing partnership with the Gauteng Department
of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Together, the Department and Neema have
championed SASL masterclasses and tailored community safety initiatives, proving
how public sector support can drive meaningful social change.
“Sport and culture belong to every single resident of Gauteng,” says Lebogang
Maile, Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. “Our partnership with
the Neema Foundation over the past decade reflects our deep commitment to
removing barriers and creating space for Deaf talent to thrive. As we celebrate Deaf
Awareness Month this September, we encourage all Gauteng residents to register,
bring their families, and run or walk alongside our Deaf community.”
A movement ten years in the making Over the past decade, the #SilentWalkAndRun has grown from 500 trailblazing
participants in 2016 to welcoming nearly 2,500 people in 2025 alone—reaching more
than 10,000 supporters over its lifetime. Along the way, the platform has generated
significant public attention, keeping Deaf advocacy front and centre in national
conversations.
Beyond the annual #SilentWalkAndRun, Neema’s work runs deep year-round. Over
2,000 direct beneficiaries have accessed South African Sign Language (SASL)
training, family support networks, and targeted Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
awareness workshops.
The Foundation has also rolled out practical tools, including a dedicated WhatsApp
chatbot for GBV reporting and Psychosocial Support Service, alongside accessibility
Sign Language training for public servants, SAPS officers, and corporate teams.
Kick-Off to the main event: The Neema Cup Top 4 Tournament
This year’s 10th celebration goes beyond footraces. Recognising soccer as a driving
force for connection within the Deaf community, Neema and the Gauteng Deaf
Sports Federation are introducing the inaugural Neema Cup.
The journey begins on Saturday, 8 August 2026 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) at
the Multipurpose Centre, hosting an action-packed Top 4 Knockout Tournament.
Four top Deaf community clubs will battle it out:
• Vampires Deaf FC
• Melrose United Deaf FC
• Silent Boys FC
• United Deaf Football Club
•
The tournament will feature Semi-Final 1, Semi-Final 2, and the Championship Final,
where the winning club will earn a spot to compete for the prestigious Neema Cup
Finals on 13 September during the main #SilentWalkAndRun event. Saturday’s
tournament will also showcase a live presentation of Neema’s GBV WhatsApp
Chatbot, the official launch of the #SilentWalk campaign, and community networking.
Event & Ticket Information
Entries for the 10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun are now open online.
• Event: 10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun
• Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
• Venue: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton
• Distance: 5km Walk/Run
• Start Time: 09:00 AM
• Entry Fees:
• Standard Entry: R190 • Official Race Pack Entry: R300 (Includes commemorative T-shirt &
goodie bag)
• Race Pack Collection: 9 – 11 September 2026
• Tickets & Info: Available on Webtickets
via https://foundationneema.org/silent-walk-run/ or Pick N Pay Stores
About the Neema Foundation for the Deaf
Established in 2016, the Neema Foundation for the Deaf is a registered Public
Benefit Organisation (PBO) dedicated to empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing
South Africans through advocacy, education, accessibility, and economic
development. Donations qualify for Section 18A tax certificates.
